Waterbury evening Democrat., 1887-12-21
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1887
FOR SWEET CHARITY's SAKE.

FOR SWEET CHARITY's SAKE.
 This, according to the Almanac, is the shortest day of the year, the day of the Winter solstice; but it is long enough to take thought on reasonable duties, and de- eide how the three clear days still left before the festival of the Nativity shall dawn upon us, can be best utilized in full flment of the obligations implied in the song the herald angels: "Peace on earth-good will to men," We can all of us, in our respective spheres, promote the blessings of peace in humble households by minis tering to the wants of the poor at this holy season-all scatter aronnd the mutual ity of good will amongst men by showing that all are of the common humanity em- braced in the mission of the Saviour to his creatures. There are, we repeat, three clear days yet remaining during which we may bring peace to ourselves by little sacrifice for sweet charitys sake; and ex- cite the good will of the poor mans heart by the proof that in the Christmas enjoy ments of the rich, he is not wholly disre- garded.
 There are many ways in which the good will may be accomplished. By the private ministrations which seek out the objects of relief in the by-ways, in cheerless garrets end comfortless tenement dwellings and without the ostentation of publicity, which would deprive benefactions of half their beauties. Then there are organiza- tions of Benevolent Societies and Church Associations, all excellent in their way, and having the special recommendation of the ease with which want can be discovered and the facilities of combined effort for relief. But our preference would be for personal visitation and private aid. There would be less danger of wounding the delicacy of those who were not always poor; and more qualification to the donor in the knowledge that his gifts were judi ciously applied. Next to the personal exercise of charity, we should be for a broad and comprehensive benefcence, un- divided by sects and uncircumscribed by denominational boundaries, as more in ac- cord with the Great Teachers maxims and with the spirit that should sway the time of the Nativity. A general fund for gen eral relief, controlled by a general com mittee, would be next to the private agency, realization of the true idea of relieving the distressed at Christmas time. Hunger has no special creed; homelessness no particular altar raised for it's worship; scant apparel and freless hearths no ex- clusiveness of shrine. ''The poor we have always with us" regardless of the con- sideration of religious distinctionss; and regardless of religious distinctions should be the effort made for this one season of the year to make them feel the good will and peace of common Christianity
 A few weeks ago we had great holiday celebration proclaimed by the President of this Great Nation, and endorsed by the governors of the States respectively Re- igious faith and social festivitiy went hand in hand in Thanksgiving to the Al mighty for blessings vouchsafed to the people, Homes were made happy with the good cheer, and mirth and music were out door characteristics. The Churches had their crowded congregations for expres sions of prayer and praise; but what about that practical religion, which, in the abund- ance of Heavens favors, finds thought fol the suffering poor-what about the thanks giving which finds it's great cause in the means and opportunity and disposition o1 sharing Gods gifts with Gods little ones
 Well, a new opportunity is at hand fol those who have the means and disposition There are three days left before Christmas to atone for possible neglect at the late festival time. Yes, the poor we have al ways with us, and always there will bt power to men of good will-for those blessed with the worlds comforts, to make festival for poverty. Food is not any cheaper than it used to be; fuel has an up ward tendency through combinations il the coal interest; house-shelter is almost misnomer, and raiment is represented by rags that shrink from the daylight. Never was the cry of Christmas time Remem Der the poor"- by so many practical appeals to consideration. Ther' may be imposture in some cases; but ther is no mistake, the impostors like the alleged tramps to whom we referred yesterday are for the most part in squalor and suf fering. Run not the risk, in dispensatio, of Christmas charity of refusing the worth. applicant for relief by supposition tha your relief would find it's way to the rum store Give the relief anyway, and Heave1 will bless the giver; give one day of belle to the poor man that he belongs to th great family of humanity whom Chris come on earth to save, and you will hav built up for yourselves in the consciousness of peace of mind and good will to mel treasures beyond any which the world cal give.
 Again There are three clear days lief for consideration and calculation and con summation
 DEMOCRATIC UNION.
 It is the expressed hope of Republican